KFC is rolling out a bold new experimental restaurant format in McKinney, Texas, introducing breakfast for the first time alongside late-night options, table service, and an expanded menu — all part of a broader effort to regain market share in the competitive fast-food chicken sector.
KFC has unveiled a groundbreaking new restaurant concept called Open House, set to open its doors to the public on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in McKinney, Texas. The 3,400-square-foot location will serve as a living laboratory where the brand will test an array of fresh ideas — from entirely new meal periods to reimagined dining experiences — with the goal of identifying what resonates most before rolling out successful changes across the United States.
Most notably, KFC is launching breakfast for the very first time in its history. The morning lineup will feature breakfast sandwiches, mini cronuts, and both hot and iced coffee, marking a major expansion beyond the chain's traditional lunch-and-dinner focus. The menu will also grow in other directions: customers will find boba refreshers, fried green beans, spicy pickles, and additional beverage options. Dining options have been rethought as well — Open House will offer table service inside the restaurant, alongside dual drive-thru lanes and self-ordering kiosks to suit every preference. Late-night service will also be trialled, extending the brand's reach beyond standard fast-food hours.
Catherine Tan-Gillespie, President of KFC U.S., described the initiative as a dual opportunity — to win back customers and to build a stronger, more responsive business. "It gives guests a reason to try us, or try us again, while giving us a real restaurant where we can learn what works for guests, our teams and the business, and scale the strongest ideas across the system," she explained. The McKinney location will host a community celebration on Sunday following the official opening.
The Open House concept forms part of a wider revitalisation strategy at KFC, which is owned by Yum Brands. Earlier this year, the chain announced a refreshed brand direction that places greater emphasis on boneless chicken products and a wider variety of signature sauces. These changes come as KFC faces intense competition: according to QSR Magazine data from August 2026, the brand ranks fifth among U.S. fast-food chicken chains in sales volume, trailing Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, Raising Cane's, and Wingstop. In its most recent financial results, KFC reported 2% same-store sales growth in the U.S., while its largest market — China — delivered a stronger 6% increase during the same period.
The company views the Open House experiment as a vital step toward reconnecting with American consumers. Every element of the McKinney store will be monitored and evaluated, with the most popular and profitable features selected for gradual introduction at locations nationwide.
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